FIFA has addressed the racism allegations involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni by announcing plans to implement regulations prior to the 2026 World Cup aimed at discouraging players from “covering their mouths when confronting opponents during games.”
Prestianni, a forward for Benfica, is currently under investigation by UEFA following allegations of racially abusing Real Madrid‘s Vinícius during the first leg of their Champions League Play Off in Lisbon earlier this month.
Prestianni has denied the accusations and was absent from the second leg in Madrid after being provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA based on initial evidence.
The situation has become more complex due to Prestianni allegedly covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinícius.
During IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting, which includes FIFA’s rulemaking body, a decision was made to explore measures that could be in place by the upcoming World Cup this summer.
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English FA and IFAB member, stated, “When a player speaks to an opponent, there are very few scenarios where they should have to cover their mouth.”
He added, “However, we need to assess everything to ensure that if we do introduce a rule or penalty for this, it doesn’t lead to further issues.”
There will be a consultation process to confirm that any new regulations do not infringe on a player’s ability to communicate privately with teammates or coaches during matches.
“It’s important to think through various scenarios to prevent unwanted situations,” Bullingham emphasized.
– Concerns halted Cabral-Vini shirt swap
– Benfica refutes claims of Prestianni’s racial abuse admission
– Vinícius leads Madrid’s progression amid Benfica’s boos